Can I lock/unlock car without ECU?

BimmerNugget · 09-26-2017, 12:13 PM

I'm soon going to be removing my ECU to send it off for tuning, I'm just wondering how I will be able to lock/unlock my car without the ECU in it?

Does the driver door key hole work without the ECU? Can trunk be opened to access the battery when I install/uninstall ECU?

Welcome to NBA Jam · 09-26-2017, 12:57 PM

Key hole will work, the trunk probably won't until you plug the ECU back in. Keep a towel or something under the lock! If you have fold down seats, put them down as a failsafe.

I was able to get my trunk unlocked by connecting another battery to the front connectors. It worked even with my battery removed.

hassmaschine · 09-26-2017, 02:10 PM

Just leave the battery hooked up, it will be fine (otherwise you can get locked out, of course). I've pulled DME's dozens of times with the battery connected and never had a problem. Just don't try to start it or turn on the ignition at all (or EWS is likely to be angry with you).

09-26-2017, 12:13 PM	#1
BimmerNugget Crazy Frog 543 Rep 1,211 Posts Drives: L.L.Bean Bootmobile Join Date: Jun 2017 Location: 560 State Street iTrader: (0)	Can I lock/unlock car without ECU? I'm soon going to be removing my ECU to send it off for tuning, I'm just wondering how I will be able to lock/unlock my car without the ECU in it? Does the driver door key hole work without the ECU? Can trunk be opened to access the battery when I install/uninstall ECU?
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09-26-2017, 12:57 PM	#2
Welcome to NBA Jam Is it the shoes!? 3884 Rep 5,112 Posts Drives: (Sold) 2011 E92 335i ZMP 6MT Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: USA iTrader: (1)	Key hole will work, the trunk probably won't until you plug the ECU back in. Keep a towel or something under the lock! If you have fold down seats, put them down as a failsafe. I was able to get my trunk unlocked by connecting another battery to the front connectors. It worked even with my battery removed.
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09-26-2017, 02:10 PM	#3
hassmaschine Major General 3973 Rep 7,215 Posts Drives: "NBO" 330i Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: earth iTrader: (0)	Just leave the battery hooked up, it will be fine (otherwise you can get locked out, of course). I've pulled DME's dozens of times with the battery connected and never had a problem. Just don't try to start it or turn on the ignition at all (or EWS is likely to be angry with you).
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